How to determine a cat's color? - briefly
To determine a cat's color, observe the primary and secondary colors in its fur. The base color is typically either black or brown, with secondary colors like white, orange, or grey influencing the overall appearance.
How to determine a cat's color? - in detail
Determining a cat's color involves understanding the genetic principles that govern coat patterns and colors in felines. The process is intricate, as it depends on multiple genes interacting with one another. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to determine a cat's color:
-
Basic Coat Colors: The primary gene influencing basic coat colors is the B (Brown) locus. This gene has two alleles: B (dominant) and b (recessive). Cats with at least one B allele will have a black or brown coat, while those homozygous for b (bb) will be red or cream.
-
Dilution: The D (Dilute) locus affects the intensity of color. The dominant allele D results in normal color expression, whereas the recessive d dilutes the pigment, producing lighter shades such as blue, lilac, or fawn.
-
Patterns: Coat patterns are determined by several genes, with the most significant being the A (Agouti) locus and the T (Tabby) locus. The A locus has two main alleles: A (dominant) which produces a ticked pattern like tabby stripes or spots, and a (recessive) which results in a solid color. The T locus interacts with the A locus to create various patterns such as mackerel, classic, or spotted tabby.
-
White Spotting: The S (Spotting) locus controls the amount of white on a cat's coat. This gene has several alleles that produce different levels of white spotting, ranging from no white (S) to extensive white (s).
-
Color Modifiers: Other genes can modify the base color and pattern. For example, the C (Chinchilla) locus affects the expression of black pigment, while the I (Inhibitor) locus can suppress or enhance certain colors.
-
Eye Color: Although not directly related to coat color, eye color is often considered in determining a cat's overall appearance. The gene for eye color is independent of the genes controlling coat color and pattern.
-
Genetic Inheritance: Understanding how these genes are inherited from both parents is crucial. Each parent contributes one allele to each locus, and the combination of these alleles determines the cat's final appearance.
In summary, determining a cat's color requires knowledge of genetics, specifically the interaction of multiple genes that influence coat patterns and colors. By understanding the roles of the B, D, A, T, S, C, and I loci, along with their alleles, one can predict the potential color and pattern combinations in felines.